Active winter weather is returning to southern Oregon and northern California, with two storm fronts anticipated to deliver rain, high winds, and heavy mountain snow between Thursday and Sunday.
The National Weather Service in Medford forecasts light rain and heavy snow through Thursday night, with relatively dry weather expected Friday morning. By late Friday, gusty winds are expected to develop across the Shasta Valley, coastal areas, and mountain regions, with rain and higher-elevation snow falling Friday evening and overnight.
A more powerful storm system is predicted to arrive on Saturday, prompting fears about dangerous travel and severe consequences in mountain villages. The NWS has issued a Winter Storm Watch for altitudes above 5,000 feet in western and southern Siskiyou County, predicting significant snow from Saturday afternoon to Sunday evening.
Snow levels are expected to begin near 6,000 feet Saturday, then decrease to 5,000-5,500 feet Saturday evening, and possibly as low as 4,500-5,000 feet by Sunday night, potentially damaging mountain passes in the Cascades and Siskiyou Mountains.
In addition to snow, severe southerly winds are forecast, with the worst gusts occurring Saturday into Saturday night. High Wind Watches are in force for sections of the Shasta Valley and the Curry County shoreline, where destructive winds and hazardous travel conditions may occur.
Rain and mountain snow are likely to continue into Sunday as a low-pressure system sweeps across the area. The NWS also advises that urban areas, creeks, and streams in Siskiyou, Curry, and southern Josephine counties may see heavy streamflows and roadway ponding.
Residents are advised to regularly check predictions and prepare for shifting circumstances, particularly if driving through higher elevations this weekend.
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